Hi Blackjack – you wrote: “So basically I finally realized it didnt matter what I won it was never enough and I always chased the money. ”

How long it takes for us to find that out. I think I knew within a year or two of gambling that it was the case for me – and yet I continued gamble for another twenty years.

I sometimes wonder if it is about money at all. You wrote that you lost 83K in savings you had stashed away. What were you planning to do with the money?

I think if I had been asked in the midst of my gambling, what I would do with the big win, I would be hard pushed to answer. I would probably mutter something vague about a bigger house or nicer car, but the truth was – I didn’t really have any other interests except gambling and finding ways to make money so I could gamble more.

I did a lot of soul searching into “what is the life that I really want” and then I had to do a lot more work to overcome the feeling (illogical but there) that I deserved that life. And you know what? That life doesn’t cost that much. I could have had it much earlier by concentrating on making it happen instead of the buzz of gambling.

So don’t focus on the money, don’t focus on trying to get it back – it is gone. You will need to address your debts – get good financial advice, but also get help on making a better gamble free life for yourself. Find support groups, research the internet, see if you can get free counselling or life planning in your area. Keep posting here and maybe try out the group sessions to talk to other recoverers in real time. I wish you well.

Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

glad you self excluded man. I went over 100 days g free and relapsed yesterday , didn’t know when to walk. Lost a months salary in a couple hours. I hope you get the help you need . and it sounds like you’re on the right path. cheers man

Hey man just checking in to see how you have made out?